Chromebooks: Everything you need to know

Chromebooks are simple low-priced Internet portal laptops that are made by a variety of traditional computer companies. Instead of running traditional software and operating systems, they rely on their connection to shared programs offered by Google. In the past year, Chromebooks have become increasingly popular tools for business and schools. (Courtesy photo)

What is a Chromebook? This newer, novel form of laptop is, in simplest terms, hardware built around a Web browser. Those running a Chromebook are almost entirely on the Web, using "Web apps" instead traditional software installed on a computer.

The hardware. Chromebooks are, for the most part, humble computers with prices ranging from less than $200 to about $400. Their performance varies depending on the processor, but they're not speed demons for the most part. Fit and finish can be on the cheap and even chintzy side, but Chromebooks are looking better and better. Some models look really nice.

The software. Chromebooks' operating system, known as Chrome OS, was once virtually indistinguishable from its progenitor, Google's Chrome browser. More recently, Chrome OS has taken on the visual trappings of a traditional operating system with a desktop, taskbar, app launcher and other enhancements. It is still fundamentally a Web environment, though.

The apps. The word "app" can be confusing here since some might interpret it as the kinds of apps installed onto desktop computers, or downloaded onto mobile devices. "App" in the Chromebook (and Chrome) context means tricking out the Web-browsing environment with additional capabilities. Some add-ons, such as photo-editing Web apps, are pretty powerful.

Advantages. Many Windows and Macintosh users spend most of their time in a browser; a Chromebook can work well for such people, though likely as a secondary and not a primary computer. Those familiar with Google's popular Web services, like Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Docs, will feel right at home. There is no traditional software to buy and install on a Chromebook, and Web alternatives to such software are often quite capable. Operating-system updates are free and automatic (ditto for the majority of the Web apps). Chromebooks are all but impervious to malware of the sort that can cripple a Windows PC.

Disadvantages. Chromebooks lack the elegance and sophistication of an Apple MacBook Air notebook or an equivalent Windows-based ultrabook; you get what you pay for. Such machines can slow to crawl under modest demands, such as having a lot of browser tabs open. Forget about installing popular software, such as Apple iTunes or Adobe Photoshop, on a Chromebook. The notebooks are highly Internet-dependent, and largely incapacitated without a reliable online connection. Though Chromebooks have local storage for files, like photos and documents, most of these machines incorporate only modest capacity for this.

Notable models. HP's Chromebook 11 is unusually attractive with an Apple-like vibe and a stellar screen, but is underpowered. Acer's C720 models are somewhat more pedestrian in appearance but boast more oomph; one model, the C720P, has a touch screen. Upcoming Samsung Chromebook Series 2 models have better hardware specs, and the 13-inch model has an LED screen with a full HD resolution. Additional models from Asus, HP, Lenovo and Toshiba are out now or will be available soon. If you want to get fancy, Google's Chromebook Pixel has specifications matching those of Apple laptops, plus a touch screen, for $1,300 and up.